hardcore shit

Month: February 2017

Now here’s kind of an obscure album. It was released the 17th January this year (2017 if you are currently reading this on the future) by Simon Cameron Fletcher. In the bandcamp page it says that the songs were recorded in 2012. I’ve listened to his demos album (this one) and I really liked it. Apparently all songs are written by the man himself, Lou Barlow. Does that mean this is a cover album? I wanted to listen to this one because I think the cover is really pretty.

Anyways why don’t we just go ahead and review? Listen to it here. Also, please try to buy it!

The 17th of February, Jens Lekman released his new record “Life Will See You Now”. It has been getting lots of attention since it’s his first album to be released after 2012’s “I Know What Love Isn’t. I’ve already some people call it ALBUM OF THE YEAR. But does the record itself come to the levels of the hype? Let’s find out.

Before I start, I want to say that this will be my first Jens Lekman album ever. It seems like he already had some kind of fanbase, so he can’t be that bad, right? Also found out that he’s Swedish, so that’s cool too.

Now, this record must be one of the comfiest things that I’ve heard so far. Will he get mad at me if I say that his music reminds me a lot of Belle & Sebastian would meet some kind of batshit dance party band? It’s just fun all around, the whole time.

Before I start this review, I have to say that I absolutely LOVE this album. I will explain why later on. It was released last year (2016 if you are from the future) and it has quickly become one of my favourite albums ever. Bersain is not only a genius, but genuinely a nice person. This is his first full lenght album, he released an EP back in 2015 (which was really good, but not as good as this one)

Searchlights is the fifth album by Washington, DC based band Dot Dash. They describe themselves as a post-punk pop band. The idea of post-punk pop sounds pretty intriguing to me, so I decided to check it out.

The album kicks off with Dumb Entertainment, a song that reminds me of old timey rock n roll. The bassline at the beginning was pretty damn good too. As an opener, it kind of gives you a feeling of what these guys are all about. This album in general presents very memorable lyrics. Although I have to disagree that these guys are post-punk, I would describe them more as a garage rock stuff with some incredible pop punk vibes in some moments (like in Crumbs and Searchlights).

Before I start this review, I wanted to apologize for the lack of reviews in the last couple months. We are going to post more from now on, I promise!

Anyways, this album is “Däggdjur” (Mammal) by Säkert! (Sure!/Surely!). It was released the 3rd of February this year (2017 if you are reading this in the future) I’ve been quite hyped for this album, I listened to the single “Snooza” when it came out and I absolutely loved it. I’m definitely going to talk more about that song later, but first of all, let’s listen to the album! (I’m still doing track by track reviews because it’s the most fun, I don’t know if it’s fun to read though. Next review might as well be “normal”)

Yesterday, a brand new Animal Collective EP got released. I had been pretty hyped since they dropped Kinda Bonkers (awesome track) and it’s probably a totally Painting with esque thing. Well it must be, since it’s now called a companion for Painting With. Let’s check this baby out.

Kinda Bonkers

The EP kicks off with the summer jam Kinda Bonkers. A playful song with goofy lyrics that reminds oneself of some early Animal Collective tracks. The melodies are beautifully composed as expected. The chorus is lots of fun too and really memorable. This is a song that I will not forget this year, since it may be one of the best tracks I’ve heard this year (so far). But the year has barely begun so let’s see what happens! 9/10

Peacemaker

Another track that reminds me of the old times. I fell in love instantly with the warm synths that drown this song with its’ waves. Right now, this is better than Painting With. A joyful song. I love how you can hear a sitar (or is it a guitar? I’m sure it’s a guitar) playing after the first chorus. A totally great track, but I do not believe that it comes to the same level as Kinda Bonkers, but it’s really close. A really awesome vocal melody once again. 8,5/10

Goalkeeper

Now this really has the Painting With sound. A playful (and slightly annoying) synth is played across the song, while this really thick bass line can be heard. The chorus is amazing again. The AnCo boys sure know how to compose a good chorus damn it. I still find that the bass line isn’t really fitting, but it still works, so it’s ok. 7/10

Jimmy Mack

The last song of this 13 minute EP. A dreamy track that will haunt you forever. It’s also one of the best pop songs I’ve heard this year. I really hope this becomes a huge hit, because they deserve it. This song might also be one of the best Animal Collective songs of the decade so far. Really amazing. The vocals are amazing. Everything is amazing. From the synth line to the (yet again) thick bassline. Simply amazing. 10/10

The Painters EP was MUCH BETTER than I thought it would be. Could it be that the new album (if they’re making one) will be in the same vein as this EP? Who knows. But this EP will totally be played lots of times this summer, since it sounds like an exquisite summer soundtrack. I wish for the best for this band that I love and adore.